At a local store today I noticed that the FDE 2022 they had in the case had a black grip panel instead of the FDE one. Is this something new for the 2022?

Just mix and match parts.

On FDEs I saw, they often had a FDE grip installed but the extra sizes were black.

On a semi-related note, I've heard that 2022's can be seen in both Gen 1 and Gen 2. What's the difference?

If I had to guess I'd say the "generations" are like this: the first Sp2022's had frames made in Germany and slides n NH (although some were completely German). These have a more rounded rail. The later ones are completely made in NH. These have a more squared off rail. I prefer the early German framed 2022's because I hate the LCI in the NH ones.

There are quite a few variations.

There was the "American" model, typically Nitron finish, then the "German Ilaflon" with SN on frame, barrel and slide. Then another run that were Ilaflon but only SN on the frame.
(All refered to as Gen I and the SN plate was an oval under the frame.

Also, DAO was available on a few.

Then the "Gen II" made in Exeter and have the long rectangle SN plate.

There is also a difference in some of the rails the latter with Picatinny rail, some (French, IIRC) had a dovetail rail.

Those are the biggest differences, but there are several.

I think there are about five different iterations of the SP2022.

Looked at two different ones (NIB) at the local Cal-Ranch today. Both had the black backstraps installed but no other ones in the case. Older stock maybe?